Senators debate use of "CHamoru" across Govguam

As Mes CHamoru comes to a close, reflections on identity, language, and culture are also taking shape inside the Guam Legislature. Senator Shelly Calvo’s Bill 218 seeks to make “CHamoru” the official spelling used across the government of Guam, replacing “Chamorro” in laws, documents, and public education -- then phasing it out within 18 months.

Calvo says the change is about aligning government language with indigenous identity, arguing “CHamoru” more accurately reflects the pronunciation and orthography of the people, language, and culture of Guam and the Mariana Islands – moving away from a Spanish Colonial-Era spelling.

In addition, Calvo believes it's a step toward cultural preservation and self-determination, as she noted, “So today, we’re not simply deciding on a word. We are deciding how we honor Guam, how we carry forward a legacy, and how we define ourselves in the eyes of generations to come and the global stage.”

And while many lawmakers agreed with the intent, several raised concerns about how the bill would be implemented across government. Some cited feedback from the Compiler of Laws, warning the language could create confusion and inconsistencies in legal texts – pointing to what they described as “technical, legal, and administrative objections” and “ambiguity and vagueness in legal language.”

Others warned the bill could give too much interpretive authority to the compiler – requiring case-by-case decisions on whether and how to change language in law – potentially introducing subjectivity.

In response, lawmakers added an amendment requiring collaboration with the Kumisión I Fino’ CHamoru, aiming to ensure any changes are guided by cultural and linguistic expertise, not just legal interpretation.

And while expressing support for the bill’s goal, Senator Sabina Perez pushed for a more limited approach. She warned the bill as originally written could have unintended consequences, particularly if it changes existing historical and legal texts retroactively.

“I think it’s always good to play safe when it comes to changing terms and just to maybe move forward from here on out versus going back and changing terms," Senator Perez said.

Senator Chris Barnett also read public testimony into the record, sharing comment from Piti mayor Jesse Alig, who argued the bill oversimplifies a deeply rooted language and cultural issue. The senator read, “We must resist unnecessary changes to a language that has withstood the test of time. Instead of normalizing alterations that do not enhance our linguistic identity, we must direct our efforts towards supporting the individuals and organizations dedicated to authentic perpetuation of the Chamorro language. Until our people are speaking in the language freely, confidently, and often, changing how it’s spelled will remain a symbolic gesture, not a solution.”

An essay from an NMI student attending the University of Guam also highlighted that actions regarding the spelling of CHamoru has ramifications beyond Guam. Barnett again recited the students lines, announcing, “Chamorro doesn’t belong to Guam alone. It belongs to a people spread across islands. A future where the language thrives must reflect that reality.”

Senator Barnett adding that no matter how people spell Chamorro, that does not change what it means to be Chamorro.  Supporters, however, maintain the change is about unity and reclamation.

Ultimately, lawmakers moved Bill 218 to the Third Reading File – setting the stage for a final vote as debate continues over how to define and preserve CHamoru identity not just in law, but in daily life across our island.